WASHINGTON–For the first time in more than a decade, America’s Credit Unions will be led by a new CEO beginning this week.
Scott Simpson will take over leadership of the national trade group as Jim Nussle retires. Nussle had been president and CEO of America’s Credit Union since 2014, and on his last day on the job shared a message around his experiences and what he sees ahead for the “credit union story” (see below).
Simpson previously served as president of the California, Nevada and Utah leagues, as well as their subsidiary organizations and joint services organization, Fuel.
Turning Back to CUs for Leader
The decision is a turn back to the credit union movement for the trade group. After its founding in 1934, the group was led from its then Madison, Wis.-headquarters for decades by leaders from inside credit unions. In 1996, what was then CUNA tapped Dan Mica, a former congressman from Florida, as its new leader. When Mica retired in 2010, CUNA named Bill Cheney, the then president and CEO of the California and Nevada leagues, to fill the role. Cheney exited in 2014 and returned to California to become CEO of SchoolsFirst FCU, and was succeeded by Nussle, himself a former congressman and director of the Office of Management and Budget.
Now it has turned again to credit unions in hiring Simpson, who has Capitol Hill experience.
America’s Credit Unions said it considered more than 100 candidates for the position.
In an interview earlier this year with the CU Daily, Simpson outlined why he sought the job and what he sees ahead.
Youngest State Association Leader
In 2003, at the age of 34, Simpson became the youngest state credit union association president and CEO in the nation when he was named to lead Utah’s Credit Unions. Simpson began leading credit unions in California in Nevada, in addition to Utah, in July of 2024 with the retirement of Diana Dykstra.
Simpson has also served as an anchor/host with KSL NewsRadio in Salt Lake City, as SVP-government relations with the Utah League of Credit Unions, as executive director of the Utah Republican Party, and as a senior advisor in the U.S. Senate.
Additional Roles
In 2022, Simpson was elected to the board of what was then CUNA (now America’s Credit Unions following its merger with NAFCU), and has served as a faculty member at the Western CUNA Management School in where he has taught political, legislative, and regulatory advocacy to future credit union leaders.
Simpson has also previously chaired the Credit Union Legislative Action Council (CULAC); and served for a decade on the board of the American Association of Credit Union Leagues (AACUL), including a term as chair.
He has also served on numerous other boards.
Nussle Shares Parting Statement
On his last day on the job, Nussle posted a message that read, “Later today, I’ll officially hang my hat after more than a decade in the credit union movement. “And what a journey it’s been.
“When I first encountered credit unions, early on as a new Member of Congress, I didn’t fully appreciate the full scope of what this movement stood for. But, it didn’t take long for me to experience the credit union difference; credit unions are bold, relentless advocates for people. You are living proof that financial services can be built on trust, integrity, and community. ‘People helping people’ wasn’t a tag line or slogan; it is our mission, our motivation and our purpose.
‘Significant Milestones’
“Over the past two years, we’ve witnessed one of the most significant milestones in our history: the uniting of CUNA and NAFCU to form America’s Credit Unions. This merger wasn’t just about combining two organizations; it was about strengthening one movement. It created a more powerful, unified voice for advocacy, a stronger foundation for collaboration, and a shared commitment to putting people first in everything we do.
“And that focus is paying off. Together, with our league partners and your efforts, we’ve:
- Secured major policy wins that protect credit unions’ tax status and expand your ability to serve members.
- Amplified our voice in Washington like never before, speaking as one movement, with one purpose.
- Modernized our message and presence, showing policymakers, media, and communities that credit unions are not just relevant, we’re essential.
What Truly Sets CUs Apart
“But what truly sets this movement apart isn’t found in legislation or headlines… it’s found in people. It’s you and your staff providing life-changing financial services to your neighbors. It’s the trusting, mutually beneficial relationships you build that simply don’t exist elsewhere in financial services. When the member wins, your credit union wins.
“That’s why your advocacy works. We’ve seen credit unions achieve meaningful victories no matter which party controls Congress or the White House, not just because of relentless advocacy, but because it’s backed by your real, human impact in communities nationwide.
“As Washington continues to change—new leaders, new rules, new challenges—unity will remain our greatest strength. Continued unity in the face of this constant change is how credit unions will continue to stand out, not just in the marketplace, but in the advocacy arena. And you can count on America’s Credit Unions to amplify your efforts with a unified voice that’s now an irreplaceable part of the process.
‘Vision, Energy & Passion’
“As I step away, I’m filled with gratitude and excitement. Scott Simpson and the incredibly talented team at America’s Credit Unions are ready to lead this movement into its next chapter. I’ve had the privilege to work closely with Scott, and I can confidently tell you he’s ready to dive in. Scott’s vision, energy, and passion will ensure that future generations have what they need to bank, and belong, with credit unions.
“It’s been the honor of a lifetime to serve alongside you. Thank you for your trust, your belief, and your relentless commitment to putting people first. I’ll always be proud to have been part of this story and I can’t wait to watch where you take it next.”
Incoming, Outgoing CEOs Share Stage
Last week during the REACH Conference in Palm Desert, Simpson and Nussle shared a stage for a “fireside chat.” That story can be found here.
